Methods and systems for providing remote software provisioning to machines

ABSTRACT

A provisioning server can generate a network boot emulator configured to provision software for target machines that may not support network booting. The provisioning server can be configured to build the network boot emulator in a format that is usable by target machines regardless of the software available on the target machines. The network boot emulator can include instructions necessary to locate and access software distributions, combine software distributions according to the templates or profiles in order to generate a software installation, and install the software installation on a target machine. The network boot emulator can also include instructions necessary to configure the software installation.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to software provisioning.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Software provisioning is the process of selecting a target machine, such as a server, loading the appropriate software (operating system, device drivers, middleware, and applications), and customizing and configuring the system and the software to make it ready for operation. Software provisioning can entail a variety of tasks, such as creating or changing a boot image, specifying parameters, e.g. IP address, IP gateway, to find associated network and storage resources, and then starting the machine and its newly-loaded software. Typically, a system administrator will perform these tasks using various tools because of the complexity of these tasks. Unfortunately, there is a lack of provisioning control tools that can adequately integrate and automate these tasks.

Typically, software provisioning takes place in a network environment. Often, a new machine will communicate with a boot server using some type of network booting protocol in order to receive software provisioning services. In order to properly communicate, the new machine receiving the software provisioning services must be pre-installed with the necessary hardware and logic that supports the network booting protocol. Many network systems, however, do not have the necessary resources or network infrastructure to support the network booting protocol. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a provisioning environment that can extend software provisioning to networks and machines that may not support network booting protocols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments can be more filly appreciated, as the same become better understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall provisioning environment in which various embodiments of the present teachings can be practiced;

FIG. 2 illustrates the overall provisioning environment in which a network boot emulator can be created and utilized, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary hardware configuration for a provisioning server, according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for creation of a network boot emulator, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referring mainly to exemplary embodiments thereof. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to, and can be implemented in, all types of information and systems, and that any such variations do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, in the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying figures, which illustrate specific embodiments. Electrical, mechanical, logical and structural changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Embodiments of the present teachings relate to systems and methods for providing software provisioning to target machines that may not support network booting protocols. More particularly, a provisioning server can generate a network boot emulator configured to provision software for target machines that may not support network booting.

In embodiments, a provisioning server can be configured to include an image module capable of building the network boot emulator. The image module can be configured to build the network boot emulator in a format that is usable by target machines regardless of the software available on the target machines.

In embodiments, to build the network boot emulator, the image module can be configured to select a set of software distributions, templates, and profiles to be supported by the network boot emulator. Once selected, the image module can be configured to build the network boot emulator. The image module can build the network boot emulator by generating and combining instructions necessary to locate and access the software distributions, combine the software distributions according to the templates or profiles in order to generate a software installation, and install the software installation on a target machine. The network boot emulator can also include instructions necessary to configure the software installation.

Once built, the provisioning server can be configured to provide the network boot emulator to target machines. The provisioning server can be configured to deliver the network boot emulator to the target machines over a network connection. Likewise, the provisioning server can be configured to write the network boot emulator to portable storage medium for physical delivery to the target machines.

By providing a network boot emulator, the provisioning server can extend software provisioning to machines that may not support network booting protocols. As such, software provisioning can be performed without acquiring or maintaining the necessary resources or network infrastructure to support network booting protocols.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall provisioning environment 100, in systems and methods for the execution, management, and monitoring of software provisioning, according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in or supported by the exemplary environment illustrated in FIG. 1. The provisioning environment 100 provides a unified provisioning environment, which comprehensively manages the tasks related to software provisioning.

In particular, the provisioning environment 100 can manage software provisioning using a hierarchy of commands. In exemplary embodiments, the hierarchy can include at least four levels of commands. The lowest level in the hierarchy can comprise distribution commands, which primarily handle base operating system specific tasks of provisioning. The second level can comprise profile commands, which associate a configuration file, such as a kickstart file for Linux or other operating system, with a distribution and optionally allow for customization. The third level comprises system commands, which associate remote systems that are involved with the provisioning of the software. The fourth level comprises repository commands, which address configurations and tasks related to updating the software, remote installation procedures, and optionally customizing the software.

The provisioning environment 100 provides several capabilities and advantages over the known provisioning solutions. For example, the present invention is capable of handling a variety of forms of installations, such as preboot execution environment (“PXE”), virtualization, re-installations, and image installations.

In exemplary aspects, the provisioning environment 100 enables integrating virtualization into a PXE provisioning infrastructure and provides several options to reinstall running machines as well. The provisioning environment 100 can integrate mirroring of package repositories with the provisioning process, so that a provisioning server may serve as a central mirror point of contract for all of an organization's software needs. In aspects, a set of remote mirrored repositories can automatically be used by provisioned systems without additional setup.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects the provisioning environment 100. The provisioning environment 100 can be applied to provisioning any form of software, such as Windows systems, UNIX systems, and Linux systems. In the exemplary description that follows, FIG. 1 is presented to explain the provisioning environment 100 for provisioning software, such as Linux, and Linux based software, such as Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux by Red Hat, Inc.

In provisioning of software such as Linux, many system administrators use what is known as the “kickstart” installation method. Kickstart files are files that specify the intended configuration of the software being provisioned. Kickstart files can be kept on a server and can be read by individual computers during the installation. This installation method allows the use a single or relatively few standard kickstart files to install Linux on multiple machines, making it ideal for network and system administrators.

The kickstart file can be a simple text file, containing a list of items, each identified by a keyword. In general, a kickstart file can be edited with any text editor or word processor that can save files as ASCII text. One skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be applied to non-kickstart files in software provisioning. For example, configuration files such as AutoYAST Answer files used in Novell SuSe Linux and Sun Solaris Jumpstart files may also be used by the provisioning environment 100.

Typically, a kickstart file can be copied to the boot disk, or made available on the network. The network-based approach is most commonly used, as most kickstart installations for software provisioning, such as Linux systems, tend to be performed via a network using NFS, FTP, or HTTP on networked computers. Administrators also find it desirable that kickstart installations can be performed using a local CD-ROM, or a local hard drive.

Using kickstart files, a system administrator can create a single file containing the parameters that are needed to complete a typical software installation. For example, kickstart files specify parameters related to: language selection; mouse configuration; keyboard selection; boot loader installation; disk partitioning; network configuration; NIS, LDAP, Kerberos, Hesiod, and Samba authentication; firewall configuration; and package selection.

According to exemplary aspects illustrated in FIG. 1, the provisioning environment 100 can include a provisioning server 102, a code repository 104 which provides access to distributions 106 and 108, a set of installation templates 110, a set of exception plugins 112, a helper client 114 running on target machines 116 in a network 115, a provisioning database 120 which comprises a distribution tree list 122 and template list 124. Each of these components will now be further described.

The provisioning server (from herein referred to as a “cobbler”) 102 is responsible for: serving as a extensible markup language remote procedure call (XMLRPC) handler; linking to or mirroring install distribution trees and a configuration database; hosting kickstart templates; hosting plugins, generating installation images, and the like. The cobbler server 102 can be implemented as software, such as Python code, installed on a boot server machine and provides a command line interface for configuration of the boot server. In addition, the cobbler server 102 can make itself available as a Python application programming interface (API) for use by higher level management software (not shown). The cobbler server 102 supports provisioning via PXE, image (ISO) installation, virtualization, re-provisioning. As will be described later, the last two modes are performed with the assistance of a helper client 114.

The code repository 104 is responsible for hosting distributions 106 and 108. The code repository 104 may be implemented using well known components of hardware and software. Additionally, the code repository 104 can be include one or more repositories hosting distributions. The distributions 106 and 108 can include bundles of software that is already compiled and configured. The distributions 106 and 108 may be in the form of either rpm, deb, tgz, msi, exe formats, and the like. For example, as Linux distributions, the distributions 106 and 108 are bundles of software that comprise the Linux kernel, the non-kernel parts of the operating system, and assorted other software. The distributions 106 and 108 can take a variety of forms, from fully-featured desktop and server operating systems to minimal environments.

In exemplary aspects, the installation templates 110 are any data structure or processing element that can be combined with a set of installation configurations and processed to produce a resulting configuration file, such as a kickstart file.

In exemplary aspects, exception plugins 112 is software that interacts with cobbler server 102 to customize the provisioning of software. In general, the exceptions plugins 112 are intended to address infrequent customization needs.

In exemplary aspects, the helper client (known as “koan”, which stands for “kickstart-over-a-network”) 114 can assist the cobbler server 102 during the provisioning processes. The koan 114 can allow for both network provisioning of new virtualized guests and destructive provisioning of any existing system. When invoked, the koan 114 can request profile information from a remote boot server that has been configured with the cobbler server 102. In some aspects, what the koan 114 does with the profile data depends on whether it was invoked with --virt or -replace-self.

In exemplary aspects, the koan 114 can enable replacing running systems as well as installing virtualized profiles. The koan 114 can also be pushed out to systems automatically from the boot server. In some aspects, the koan client 114 is also written in Python code to accommodate a variety of operating systems, machine architectures, etc.

In exemplary aspects, the network 115 can include a number of the target machines 116. The target machines 116 can represent the particular machines to which software provisioning is directed. The target machines 116 may represent a wide variety of computing devices, such as personal computers, servers, laptop computers, personal mobile devices, and the like. In some aspects, the target machines 116 can represent distributed computing environments such as cloud computing environments. Although FIG. 1 shows several of the target machines 116, the provisioning environment 100 can be capable of managing a wide range environments, such as datacenters with thousands of machines or server pools with just a few machines. Additionally, the cobbler server 102 can be connected to multiple networks 115.

In exemplary aspects, the provisioning database 120 can serve as a data storage location for holding data used by the cobbler server 102. For example, as shown, the provisioning database 120 can comprise the distribution tree list 122 and the template list 124. The distribution tree list 122 can provide an inventory of the distributions 106 and 108 that are hosted or mirrored by the cobbler server 102. The template list 124 can provide an inventory of the templates 110 that are hosted by the cobbler server 102.

As noted above, the cobbler server 102 can manage provisioning using a hierarchical concept of distribution commands, profile commands, system commands, and repository commands. This framework enables the cobbler server 102 to abstract the differences between multiple provisioning types (installation, reinstallation, and virtualization) and allows installation of all three from a common platform. This hierarchy of commands also permits the cobbler server 102 to integrate software repositories 126 with the provisioning process, thus allowing systems to be configured as a mirror for software updates and third party content as well as distribution content.

Distributions can contain information about base operating system tasks, such as what kernel and initial ramdisk (“initrd”) are used in the provisioning, along with other information, such as required kernel parameters. Profiles associate one of the distributions 106 and 108 with a kickstart file and optionally customize it further, for example, using plugins 112. Systems commands associate a hostname, IP, or MAC with a distribution and optionally customize the profile further. Repositories contain update information, such as yum mirror information that the cobbler server 102 uses to mirror repository 104. The cobbler server 102 can also manage (generate) DHCP configuration files using the templates 110.

In exemplary aspects, the cobbler server 102 can use a provisioning environment that is fully templated, allowing for kickstarts and PXE files to be customized by the user. The cobbler server 102 uses the concept of “profiles” as an intermediate step between the operating system and the installed system. A profile is a description of what a system does rather than the software to be installed. For instance, a profile might describe a virtual web server with X amount of RAM, Y amounts of disk space, running a Linux distribution Z, and with an answer file W.

In exemplary aspects, the cobbler server 102 can provide a command line interface to configure a boot server in which it is installed. For example, the format of the cobbler server 102 commands can be generally in the format of cobbler command [subcommand] [--arg1=] [--arg2=]. Thus, a user can specify various aspects of software provisioning via a single interface, such as a command line interface or other known interface. Examples of exemplary cobbler commands can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/763,315, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. ______ and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/763,333, U.S. Patent Publication No. ______, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference.

According to exemplary aspects, a user can use various commands of the provisioning environment 100 to specify distributions and install trees hosted by the code repository 104, such as a distribution from the distributions 106 or 108. A user can add or import a distribution or import it from installation media or an external network location.

According to exemplary aspects, in order to import a distribution, the cobbler server 102 can auto-add distributions and profiles from remote sources, whether this is an installation media (such as a DVD), an NFS path, or an rsync mirror. When importing a rsync mirror, the cobbler server 102 can try to detect the distribution type and automatically assign kickstarts. By default in some embodiments, the cobbler server can provision by erasing the hard drive, setting up eth0 for DHCP, and using a default password. If this is undesirable, an administrator may edit the kickstart files in /etc/cobbler to do something else or change the kickstart setting after the cobbler server 102 creates the profile.

According to exemplary aspects,a user may map profiles to the distributions and map systems to the profiles using profile commands and systems commands of the provisioning environment 100. A profile associates a distribution to additional specialized options, such as a kickstart automation file. In the cobbler server 102, profiles are the unit of provisioning and at least one profile exists for every distribution to be provisioned. A profile might represent, for instance, a web server or desktop configuration.

According to exemplary aspects, a user can map systems to profiles using system commands. Systems commands can assign a piece of hardware with cobbler server 102 to a profile. Systems can be defined by hostname, Internet Protocol (IP) address, or MAC address. When available, use of the MAC address to assign systems can be preferred.

According to exemplary aspects, the user can map repositories and profiles using repository commands. Repository commands can address configurations and tasks related to updating the software, remote installation procedures, and optionally customizing the software. These repository commands can also specify mirroring of the provisioned software to remote servers. Repository mirroring can allow the cobbler server 102 to mirror not only install the trees 106 and 108, but also optional packages, third party content, and updates. Mirroring can be useful for faster, more up-to-date installations and faster updates, or providing software on restricted networks. The cobbler server 102 can also include other administrative features, such as allowing the user to view their provisioning configuration or information tracking the status of a requested software installation.

According to exemplary aspects, a user can utilize commands to create a provisioning infrastructure from a distribution mirror. Then a default PXE configuration is created, so that by default systems will PXE boot into a fully automated install process for that distribution. The distribution mirror can be a network rsync mirror or a mounted DVD location.

According to exemplary aspects, the administrator uses a local kernel and initrd file (already downloaded), and shows how profiles would be created using two different kickstarts—one for a web server configuration and one for a database server. Then, a machine can be assigned to each profile.

According to exemplary aspects, a repo mirror can be set up for two repositories, and create a profile that will auto install those repository configurations on provisioned systems using that profile.

According to exemplary aspects, in addition to normal provisioning, the cobbler server 102 can support yet another option, called “enchant”. Enchant takes a configuration that has already been defined and applies it to a remote system that might not have the remote helper program installed. Users might want to use this command to replace a server that is being repurposed, or when no PXE environment can be created. Thus, the enchant option allows the remote the koan client 114 to be executed remotely from the cobbler server 102.

According to aspects, if the cobbler server 102 is configured to mirror certain repositories, the cobbler server 102 can then be used to associate profiles with those repositories. Systems installed under those profiles can be auto configured to use these repository mirrors in commands and, if supported, these repositories can be leveraged. This can be useful for a large install base, fast installation and upgrades for systems are desired, or software not in a standard repository exists and provisioned systems are desired to know about that repository.

According to exemplary aspects, the cobbler server 102 may also keep track of the status of kickstarting machines. For example, the “cobbler status” will show when the cobbler server 102 thinks a machine started kickstarting and when it last requested a file. This can be a desirable way to track machines that may have gone inactive during kickstarts. The cobbler server 102 can also make a special request in the post section of the kickstart to signal when a machine is finished kickstarting.

According to exemplary aspects, for certain commands, the cobbler server 102 will create new virtualized guests on a machine in accordance to the orders from the cobbler server 102. Once finished, an administrator may use additional commands on the guest or other operations. The cobbler server 102 can automatically name domains based on their MAC addresses. For re-kickstarting, the cobbler server 102 can reprovision the system, deleting any current data and replacing it with the results of a network install.

According to exemplary aspects, the cobbler server 102 can configure boot methods for the provisioning requested by the user. For example, the cobbler server 102 can configure a PXE environment, such as a network card BIOS. Alternatively, the cobbler server 102 can compile and configure information for koan client 104. The cobbler server 102 can also optionally configured DHCP and DNS configuration information.

According to exemplary aspects, the cobbler server 102 can serve the request of the koan client 114. The koan client 114 can acknowledge the service of information of the cobbler server 102 and then can initiate installation of the software being provisioned. Additionally, the koan client 114 can either install the requested software, e.g., replace the existing operating system, or install a virtual machine.

FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of the provisioning environment 100 that extends software provisioning to target machines 128 in a network 130 that may not support network booting protocols. In embodiments as shown, the cobbler server 102 can include an image module 131 and can be connected to an media writer 132. In embodiments, the image module 131 can be configured to build a network boot emulator 134 that extends software provisioning to target machines 128. The image module 131 can be configured to build the network boot emulator 134 in a format that is usable by any of the target machines 128 regardless of the software available on the target machines. For example, the network boot emulator 134 can be in a disk image file (“ISO image”).

In embodiments, to build the network boot emulator 134, the image module 131 can be configured to select a set of the distributions 106 and 108, the templates 110, and the profiles to be supported by the network boot emulator 134. The distributions, templates, and profiles supported can be based on the requirements of the network boot emulator 134. For example, the image module 131 can select the supported distributions, templates, and profiles based on predetermined installation configurations, such as server installations, client installations, database installations, and the like. Likewise, the image module 131 can select the supported distributions, templates, and profiles based on requirements received from the user of the target machines 128.

In embodiments, once selected, the image module 131 can be configured to build the network boot emulator 134. The image module 131 can build the network boot emulator 134 by generating and combining instructions necessary to locate and access the distributions 106 and 108, combine the distributions 106 and 108 according to the templates 110 and/or the profile to generate a software installation, and install the software installation on the target machine 128. The network boot emulator 134 can also include instructions necessary to configure the software installation. The image module 131 can build the network boot emulator 134 using any type of well-known programming language. Additionally, the image module 131 can be configured to build the network boot emulator 134 in a format, such as an ISO image, that is usable by any of the target machines 128 regardless of the software available on the target machines.

In particular, in embodiments, the network boot emulator 134 can include instructions in order to generate a user interface. The user interface can be configured to allow a user of the target machines 128 to select the software to be installed on the target machines 128. The user interface can allow the user to select a particular set of distributions 104 and 106 and third party software for provisioning. Additionally, the user interface can allow the user to select particular templates and/or profiles on which to base the software installation. Also, the user interface can allow the user to enter configuration information for the target machines, such as system specification, network setting, security settings, and the like, to be used in the provisioning and the software installation.

Further, in embodiments, the network boot emulator 134 can include instructions to retrieve and perform the software provisioning in coordination with the generated user interface. In particular, the network boot emulator 134 can include instructions and scripts to communicate with the cobbler server 102 to request the distributions 106 and 108, third party software, the templates 110, and the profiles. Additionally, the network boot emulator 134 can include instructions and scripts to independently acquire the distributions 106 and 108 and third party software.

Additionally, in embodiments, the image module 131 can be configured to include, with the network boot emulator 134, one or all of the distributions 106 and 108, third party software, the templates 110, and the profiles supported by the network boot emulator 134. As such, the network boot emulator 134 can perform the software provisioning without retrieving any additional data or retrieving only the data not included with the network boot emulator 134.

Once built, the cobbler server 102 can be configured to deliver the network boot emulator 134 to the target machines 128. In embodiments, the cobbler server 102 can be configured to deliver the network boot emulator 134 to the target machines 128 over a network connection with network 130.

Likewise, in embodiments, the cobbler server 102 can utilize the media writer 132 to write the network boot emulator 134 to a portable storage medium 136. The media writer can be any type of device capable of writing data to the portable storage medium 136. The portable storage media 136 can be any type of portable storage such as a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), portable hard drive, portable flash storage, and the like. Once written, the portable storage media 136 can be delivered to the target machines 128 via any type of physical transportation channel.

As described above, the network boot emulator 134 can be utilized to provision software on a target machine 128. Additionally, in embodiments, the network boot emulator 134 can be utilized by a target machine 128 to provide software provisioning to other target machines 128 in network 130. As such, the network boot emulator 134 can be instantiated on a target machine 128 in order to utilize that target machine 128 as a boot server and/or provisioning server for other target machines 128 in network 130.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagram of hardware and other resources that can be incorporated in the cobbler server 102 configured to communicate with the network 130 and the target machines in network 130, according to embodiments. In embodiments as shown, the cobbler server 102 can comprise a processor 300 communicating with memory 302, such as electronic random access memory, operating under control of or in conjunction with operating system 306. Operating system 306 can be, for example, a distribution of the Linux™ operating system, the Unix™ operating system, or other open-source or proprietary operating system or platform. Processor 300 also communicates with the provisioning database 120, such as a database stored on a local hard drive. While illustrated as a local database in the cobbler server 102, the provisioning database 120 can be separate from the cobbler server 102 and the cobbler server 102 can be configured to communicate with the remote provisioning database 120.

Processor 300 further communicates with network interface 304, such as an Ethernet or wireless data connection, which in turn communicates with one or more networks 130, such as the Internet or other public or private networks. Processor 300 also communicates with the provisioning database 120 and the image module 131 to execute control logic and perform the provisioning processes and the inventory processes described above.

The cobbler server 102 can also be configured to communicate with the media writer 132. While illustrated as being separate from the cobbler server 102, the media writer 132 can be incorporated into the cobbler server 102. Other configurations of the cobbler server 102, associated network connections, and other hardware and software resources are possible.

While FIG. 3 illustrates the cobbler server 102 as a standalone system comprising a combination of hardware and software, the cobbler server 102 can also be implemented as a software application or program capable of being executed by a convention computer platform. Likewise, the cobbler server 102 can also be implemented as a software module or program module capable of being incorporated in other software applications and programs. In either case, the cobbler server 102 can be implemented in any type of conventional proprietary or open-source computer language.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of overall creation of a network boot emulator in the provisioning environment 100, according to embodiments of the present teachings. In 402, processing can begin. In 404, the image module 131 can be configured to select a set of software distributions, templates, and profiles to be supported by the network boot emulator. The distributions, templates, and profiles supported can be based on the requirements of the network boot emulator 134. For example, the image module 131 can select the supported distributions, templates, and profiles based on predetermined installation configurations, such as server installations, client installations, database installations, and the like. Likewise, the image module 131 can select the supported distributions, templates, and profiles based on requirements received from the user of the target machines 128.

Once selected, in 406, the image module 131 can be configured to build the network boot emulator 134. The image module 131 can build the network boot emulator 134 by generating and combining instructions necessary to locate and access the software distributions, combine the software distributions according to the templates and/or profiles in order to generate a software installation, and install the software installation on a target machine. The network boot emulator 134 can also include instructions necessary to configure the software installation.

Once built, in 408, the cobbler server 102 can be configured to provide the network boot emulator 134 to the target machines 128. The cobbler server 102 can be configured to deliver the network boot emulator 134 to the target machines 128 over a network connection. Likewise, the cobbler server 102 can be configured, using media writer 132, to write the network boot emulator 134 to a portable storage medium 136 for physical delivery to the target machines.

In 410, the target machines 128 can utilize the network boot emulator to perform software provisioning. In 412, the process can end, but the process can return to any point and repeat.

While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope. The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. In particular, although the method has been described by examples, the steps of the method may be performed in a different order than illustrated or simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these and other variations are possible within the spirit and scope as defined in the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A method of providing software provisioning, comprising: selecting at least one of a set of software distributions, a set of installation templates, or a set of installation profiles to be associated with a network boot emulator; building the network boot emulator, wherein building the network boot emulator comprises generating a set of instructions for provisioning software for the selected at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles; and providing the network boot emulator to at least one target system.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles comprises selecting the at least one of a set of software distributions, a set of installation templates, or a set of installation profiles based on a received requirement from the at least one target system.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles comprises selecting the at least one of a set of software distributions, a set of installation templates, or a set of installation profiles based on predetermined installations for the at least one target system.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the network boot emulator comprises transferring the network boot emulator to the at least one target system over a network connection.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the network boot emulator comprises writing the network boot emulator to a portable storage medium.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network boot emulator is built in a standard format accessible by different types of target systems.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the network boot emulator is built as a disk image.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include instructions for generating an interface to perform the software provisioning based on the selected at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include instructions for performing the software provisioning in cooperation with a provisioning server.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include instructions for configuring software installations generated by the network boot emulator.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include a portion of the selected at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles.
 12. A system for providing software provisioning, comprising: a network interface to a network comprises at least one new system; and a provisioning server, communicating with the network interface, the provisioning server being configured to— select at least one of a set of software distributions, a set of installation templates, or a set of installation profiles to be associated with a network boot emulator; build the network boot emulator, wherein building the network boot emulator comprises generating a set of instructions for provisioning software for the selected at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles; and provide the network boot emulator to at least one target system.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein selecting the at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles comprises selecting the at least one of a set of software distributions, a set of installation templates, or a set of installation profiles based on a received requirement from the at least one target system.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein selecting the at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles comprises selecting the at least one of a set of software distributions, a set of installation templates, or a set of installation profiles based on predetermined installations for the at least one target system.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the provisioning server is further configured to transfer the network boot emulator to the at least one target system over a network connection.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the provisioning server is further configured to write the network boot emulator to a portable storage medium.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the network boot emulator is built in a standard format accessible by different types of target systems.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the network boot emulator is built as a disk image.
 19. The system of claim 12, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include instructions for generating an interface to perform the software provisioning based on the selected at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include instructions for performing the software provisioning in cooperation with the provisioning server.
 21. The system of claim 12, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include instructions for configuring software installations generated by the network boot emulator.
 22. The system of claim 12, wherein the network boot emulator is further built to include a portion of the selected at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles.
 23. A network boot emulator, the network boot emulator being embodied in a computer readable medium and comprising instructions for causing a computer to provision software, the instructions comprising: instructions for provisioning software based on at least one of a set of software distributions, a set of installation templates, or a set of installation profiles; instructions for generating an interface to perform the software provisioning based on the at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles; instructions for obtaining the at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles to generate a software installation; instructions for generating the software installation based input from the interface; and instructions for configuring the software installations generated by the network boot emulator.
 24. The network boot emulator of claim 23, wherein the network boot emulator includes a portion of the at least one of the set of software distributions, the set of installation templates, or the set of installation profiles.
 25. The network boot emulator of claim 23, further comprising: instructions for performing the software provisioning in cooperation with a provisioning server.
 26. The network boot emulator of claim 23, wherein the instructions are embodied as standard format accessible by different types of target systems.
 27. The network boot emulator of claim 26, wherein the instructions are embodied as a disk image. 